1 March 2018 Jewish News
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Genetics & Fertility
Our trusty team of advisers answer your questions about everything from law and finance to dating and dentistry. This week: Breaching a restraining order, phone calls by pension scammers and treatments for knee arthritis...
CARL WOOLF CRIMINAL DEFENCE SOLICITOR
NOBLE SOLICITORS Dear David I was found not guilty of assaulting my ex-partner but the court still imposed a restraining order (RO). My ex then contacted me so my children could see me but, after an argument, called the police, who told me I am in breach of the RO and could go to prison. I have done nothing wrong and my partner started the contact. Are the police right and, if so, what can I do to avoid arrest? Colin Dear Colin A court can impose a RO against any defendant, whether found guilty or not guilty, to protect
What should I do? Clive
BAYLA PERRIN CHARITY EXECUTIVE
PAPERWEIGHT TRUST Dear Bayla I’m in my 60s and have been called by a pension consultant, telling me I am entitled to cash in some of my pension, tax free. He is offering a free service and also promises exceptional returns on any pension fund I transfer to him. He won’t take no for an answer, and keeps calling back
Dear Clive There are any number of fraudulent organisations and individuals who wish to “liberate” you of your hard earned and correctly invested money. These are some common tell-tale signs that mean it is probably a scam… • Unsolicited approaches by phone call, text message, email or in person. • When a firm doesn’t allow you to call it back. • Where you’re forced to make a quick decision, are pressured into doing so, or are encouraged to transfer your pension quickly and send documents by courier. • Contact details you are
any person from conduct that amounts to harassment or which will cause fear of violence. It is a criminal offence to breach an RO. The maximum penalty in the Magistrates’ Court is six months’ imprisonment and in the Crown Court is five years. Unfortunately, the onus is on you not to have any contact unless the RO allows it. The fact that your ex initiated contact does not mean you were permitted to have that contact. If the RO does not specify contact for that reason, then you or a solicitor must apply to the court to have it varied. A typical variation in your case might prevent contact “except for the sole purpose of making arrangements for child contact, with such arrangements to be made either with you or through solicitors or a pre-agreed third party”. Failure to vary the RO means you are at risk of arrest for breach each time you have contact – whether you initiate it or not.
given, or on their website are only mobile phone numbers or a PO box address. • Claim they can help you or a relative unlock a pension before the age of 55, sometimes known as ‘pension liberation’ or ‘pension loans’. Only in very rare cases, such as very poor health, is this possible. • Say they know of tax loopholes or promise extra tax savings. • Offer high rates of return on your investment, but claim it is low risk. If you are thinking of releasing some pension money please, please visit an authorised IFA who can provide a range of options that are legitimate and beneficial. Good luck.
presented by Sara
Levene
Consultant Genetic Counsellor & PGD Lead at CRGH, Member of Chana’s Medical Panel
Tuesday 13th March 2018 at 8pm To sign up, please visit www.chana.org.uk/webinar Chana is here to support you through: • • • • • • •
Tel: 020 8203 8455 Email: info@chana.org.uk Chana Charity Ltd 1172957
replacement on the cards? Steven
ALI NOORANI CONSULTANT UPPER LIMB SURGEON
HIGHGATE PRIVATE HOSPITAL Dear Ali After injuring my knee six years ago, I’ve been told the persistent pain I’m experiencing is arthritis and that I’ll need a knee replacement. At 52, I consider myself young, and enjoy my tennis and golf. I’d really like to get back into sports. Is a knee
Primary & secondary infertility Miscarriage & stillbirth Male infertility Cancer fertility preservation Intimacy issues Early pregnancy concerns Fertility treatment to avoid genetic disorders
Dear Steven Unfortunately, knee arthritis owing to trauma or natural ageing is common. The good news is that new technologies are being developed, which can preserve your natural knee. Total knee replacements have their place, but I would consider joint preservation, especially for someone I’d agree is relatively young. There are many options, including a procedure called osteotomy, that can realign an arthritic joint. I’d also consider a joint preservation technique such as the new Lipogems technology to rejuvenate your joint and restore the
function of your knee. Fat contains lots of juicy blood vessels and natural repair cells. These cells are extracted from your own fat and injected directly into the affected area. These cells trigger a natural healing response within the body. They can regrow tissue and many patients report a significant reduction in pain. I believe that my primary role is to offer an accurate assessment and a precise diagnosis. I can’t emphasise enough the importance of a face to face assessment, allowing me to give an accurate diagnosis and personalised plan. Your symptoms are common and many patients need reassurance and explanations for the problems they are experiencing.